Nearly 300 receive degrees Saturday at Tusculum College

Graduating from Tusculum College during spring commencement were 295 individuals in two ceremonies held on Saturday, May. 7.

On Saturday 102 students earned Bachelor of Science degrees and 134 earned Bachelor of Arts degrees. In addition 41 graduates earned Master of Arts degrees and 18 received Master of Business Administration degrees.

Walking with this spring’s graduates were 17 representatives of the Tusculum College Class of 1966 who are celebrating their 50th anniversary year. Representatives walked in the procession, clothed in golden caps and gowns and were recognized during the ceremony by Dr. Moody.

The new graduates were addressed by Tusculum President Nancy B. Moody, who recognized the hard work of the path to graduation, saying “Commencement is an occasion of celebration and completion. It is a culmination event for the graduates.” Adding, “Today is a testament to your efforts, to your persistence. Each of you made sacrifices, made adjustments and made some tough decisions along the way.”

She told the group, that while there was no doubt they were thinking about the many people in their lives who have stood by them on this journey, that graduation day was a moment to celebrate the completion of a goal they had worked hard to attain. “Relish the victory that you claim today.”

The Golden Pioneers, represented by Bruce C. Howell, of  Hackettstown, N.J. and the Class of 2016, represented Michael Fernando, a business major from Sri Lanka, presented a check to Dr. Moody for $50,818 as a gift to the college to be used to endow the Tusculum First Scholarship.

Commencement speakers David Baker, at left, and Nicholas Wasylyk

The new graduates were addressed by Dr. David Baker, senior vice president of field services for the DIRECTV Group, Inc. and a member of the Tusculum College Board of Trustees. Dr. Baker shared with the graduates in both ceremonies things he has learned in the more than three decades of his career.

Among his advice, he told graduates to never pass up a chance to help someone or to say something nice. Adding, that this is the base level for building relationships, which are critical throughout life in all capacities.  He also told the audience to always be positive, and when in doubt to smile. “It is easy to go negative,” he said, “Be openly and visibly positive.”

Afternoon Commencement Speaker John Shaw, Jr.

He stressed the importance of communication skills and creative thinking, which he said are skills that grow in value as one progresses in his career.

“One of the best things you can take into a career is a strong set of personal values. With that, you can work your way through some very difficult and complex situations.”

Speaking at the morning ceremony was Nicholas Wasylyk, a pre-med major from Ontario, Canada. Wasylyk has been a member of the Pioneer Football team and president of the Science Club. He has been a member of the President’s Society and Alpha Chi Honor Society and spent countless hours helping other students as a Tusculum College tutor.

Wasylyk told the group to cherish the wonderful memories made with friends, faculty and family. “It is an honor to receive a degree from Tusculum College. We are all now staring at an open door, and all we have to do is run head-first through it. We have the key to our future – knowledge.”

Speaking during the afternoon ceremony was John Shaw, Jr., who received his Master in Business Administration. John also received his undergraduate degree at Tusculum in 1997. He is a project manager at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge. John has been married to his wife, Brenda, for 33 years and they have two daughters, Shanna and Aleia.

His advice to graduates was to find new opportunities to put new skills and knowledge to work. “The important thing is finding your passion,” he said.  “In life, control is an illusion. Treasure and relish each moment.”

Beth Brimer, at left, accepted the Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership award for the traditional program for her late husband, Bill Brimer. At right is Dr. Michael Dillon, dean of the School of Business, who received the award for the Graduate and Professional Studies program.

Also during the ceremony, members of the Tusculum College faculty were recognized. Receiving the Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership award for the Residential College was the late Bill Brimer, accepted on his behalf by his wife, Beth. Receiving the award for the Graduate and Professional Studies program was Dr. Michael Dillon, dean of the School of Business.

 

After receiving their degrees, students at Tusculum College “walk the gauntlet,” receiving congratulations from the faculty.

Left front, Dr. Nancy B. Moody welcomes back former Tusculum College President Douglas Trout, right front, along with members of the graduating class of 1967. Celebrating their 50th reunion year, the Golden Pioneers walked with the graduates at the Spring Commencement ceremony.

 

Members of the Golden Pioneers pose with Dr. Moody and Dr. Trout.